FEATURED

We are delighted and proud to announce our Switchers of the Monthin May are Amir Balaban,a founding member of Gazelle Valley Park, and Alena Kacal, Director of the Jerusalem Bird Observatory (JBO). These two sites are part of the Jerusalem Urban Wildlife Initiative.

“Gazelle Valley Park was the first time in Israel where a community created a master plan for an urban wildlife site on such a large scale” Amir Balaban.

This community activism and engagement remains a core value for the Jerusalem Urban Wildlife Initiative today. The Jerusalem Bird Observatory (JBO) employs 40 volunteers who range greatly in age and political belief. It hosts daily bird ringing and school activities during the fall and spring migratory seasons. They also host a program for high school students where they learn the hands-on measurement and observational science.

The Jerusalem Urban Wildlife Initiative has created a place where people understand both the financial and environmental benefits of being close to nature. Places where it can feel like they are immersed in greenery — without ever having to leave the city.

Country HUBS

The SwitchMed Programme is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the UN Environment's Economy Division, the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) and the Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP/RAC). For details on the SwitchMed Programme please contact btuncer@scprac.org / Copyright 2017 SCP/RAC.